11 Best Things to do in Redding, California

Okay, I’ll admit it—Redding wasn’t all the time on the high of my California bucket checklist. But after lately diving into some firsthand analysis (sure, which means consuming, mountaineering, and exploring my manner by means of city!) I can confidently say this Northern California metropolis deserves far more love.

Surrounded by significantly beautiful nature and full of enjoyable, quirky, and completely memorable experiences, Redding makes an ideal weekend getaway or a highway journey cease alongside I-5. So for those who’re heading north or simply on the lookout for a brand new journey, listed below are my picks for the very best issues to do in Redding.

➞ Need assist planning your Redding getaway? See my Weekend 2-Day Itinerary for Redding

Explore the Shasta Caverns

If you’re up for slightly journey (and don’t thoughts just a few stairs), then head to Lake Shasta Caverns. I lately made the journey and getting there may be half the enjoyable—you begin with a peaceable 10-minute boat trip throughout Lake Shasta, then hop on a bus that winds you up the mountain to the doorway of the cave.

The two-hour guided tour takes you deep into historical limestone caves, the place stalactites and stalagmites encompass you (a few of them develop only one inch each 100 years—loopy, proper?). Fair warning: there are 612 stairs in complete, so put on comfortable footwear. But the regular 58-degree temperature contained in the caverns makes the climb bearable.

Shasta Dam 

If you’re into epic views and funky historical past (or similar to free actions), Shasta Dam is a should. It’s one of many largest concrete dams on the planet and towers 602 toes over the Sacramento River. The free guided tour takes you contained in the dam and explains the way it helped form trendy California. Bonus: ask your information the place to face for the right echo—it’s a enjoyable little secret.

Want to stage up the expertise? Book a helicopter tour with AirShasta Rotor & Wing for an unforgettable chook’s-eye view over the dam, Mt. Shasta, Lake Shasta, and even Burney Falls.

Visit Turtle Bay Exploration Park

Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a kind of locations that absolutely shocked me—in one of the simplest ways. It stretches throughout 300 acres alongside the Sacramento River and is full of enjoyable issues to discover: suppose botanical gardens, an excellent participating museum, a butterfly home, and a wildlife heart with some significantly lovely residents. It’s excellent whether or not you’re touring solo, with mates, or simply need to really feel like a child once more for the day.

One of my favourite moments? Doing one in all their animal encounters (they’re an additional price, however so value it!). I received to satisfy Timber, their candy 8-year-old beaver, and actually, I couldn’t cease smiling the complete time.

Before you allow, don’t overlook to walk throughout the long-lasting Sundial Bridge. It’s not only a lovely architectural piece—it truly works as an enormous sundial.

Shasta State Historic Park (Old Shasta)

Just 5 miles west of Redding, you’ll discover Old Shasta—slightly slice of Gold Rush historical past that’s completely value pulling over for. You’ll discover it on the best way to Whiskeytown (it’s actually proper off Highway 299).

Back within the mid-1800s, this place was the hotspot in Northern California—a bustling city filled with miners, retailers, and mule trains. Today, it’s a state historic park with crumbling brick storefronts, a restored courthouse and jail, and all types of information plaques that convey the previous to life. You’ll see every little thing from the ruins of an previous blacksmith store to the shell of a once-bustling brewery.

What’s fascinating is that after two main fires, the city was rebuilt in brick, hoping to outsmart the flames. But ultimately, it wasn’t hearth that introduced the city down.

Check Out Downtown Redding

 Downtown Redding has received this laid-back, artsy vibe that makes it tremendous enjoyable to discover. There are colourful murals round virtually each nook (particularly alongside Market Street), and even {the electrical} packing containers are little artistic endeavors—painted by 20 native artists as a part of a cool neighborhood undertaking.

If you’re within the temper to buy, you’re in luck. I popped into Carousel and located the cutest necklace, and One Heart Global Boutique is a gem for handmade, fair-trade goodies. Other nice stops? Gather and The Pretty Thistle Boutique for distinctive, domestically curated finds.

Day Trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is just about an hour’s drive from downtown Redding, and looks like a mini Yellowstone—however with out the huge crowds.

The park is full of geothermal wonders like effervescent mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and even boiling lakes. One of probably the most iconic hikes is Bumpass Hell—a 3-mile roundtrip path that leads you to the biggest hydrothermal space within the park (suppose boardwalks, steam vents, and that unforgettable rotten egg odor). If you’re up for a problem, Lassen Peak Trail takes you 5 miles roundtrip to the summit of one of many largest plug dome volcanoes on the planet—with panoramic views which might be so well worth the climb. And for those who’re on the lookout for one thing slightly extra chill, Manzanita Lake is ideal for a simple loop with beautiful mountain reflections.

Chase Waterfalls 

Redding makes the right dwelling base for slightly waterfall-hopping journey. Here are three that absolutely deserve a spot in your bucket checklist:

Burney Falls – About 1 hour from downtown Redding
This one’s the showstopper. At 129 toes tall, Burney Falls is usually referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Fed by underground springs, it flows year-round and has this magical, misty curtain. It’s positioned in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, and there’s an excellent scenic loop path if you wish to stretch your legs and see the falls from totally different angles.

McCloud Falls – Roughly 1.5 hours from Redding
Why accept one waterfall when you may have three? McCloud Falls presents a trio of cascades—Upper, Middle, and Lower—all linked by an easy-to-moderate 4-mile roundtrip path. The Middle Falls are the most important and most dramatic (and completely Instagram-worthy), whereas the Lower Falls are a neighborhood favourite for swimming in the summertime. Pack a picnic, as a result of this spot is ideal for a full-day outing.

Crystal Creek Falls – Just half-hour from downtown
If you’re on the lookout for a waterfall with most wow and minimal effort, Crystal Creek Falls is the one. It’s a simple 0.7-mile paved path with benches, picnic areas, and loads of locations to pause and benefit from the surroundings. The two-tiered waterfall on the finish is peaceable, picturesque, and ideal for a low-key nature break. You can view it proper from the trail or take a fast path right down to the bottom if you wish to get slightly nearer.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Just 8 miles west of Redding, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is the place you go to embrace that laid-back, lake-life vibe—minus the crowds and chaos of another California spots. It is a part of the National Park Service (which helps maintain it fantastically maintained), and covers a whopping 39,000 acres of out of doors goodness.

The star of the present? Whiskeytown Lake. With 36 miles of shoreline, it’s excellent for kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply parking your self on a seashore towel and soaking within the views. 

And for those who’d quite keep dry, there are mountaineering trails, scenic drives, and even waterfalls to discover close by. 

Hit Balls at Aqua Golf

If you’re on the lookout for some low-cost and quirky enjoyable head to Aqua Golf, a real Redding icon that’s been family-owned for practically 30 years. It’s a driving vary—on the Sacramento River. Yep, you’ll be whacking golf balls straight into the water (don’t fear, they float), aiming at floating targets… or possibly a duck or two for those who’re feeling slightly rebellious. Just kidding!

They lease golf equipment, promote drinks for all ages, and maintain it tremendous informal. 

Stroll Through the Redding Sculpture Garden

If you end up close to Redding City Hall, take a couple of minutes to wander by means of the Redding Sculpture Garden—it’s a kind of little surprises.The backyard incorporates a handful of out of doors sculptures which might be quirky, inventive, and generally even slightly thought-provoking. Plus, It’s completely free and parking is fairly straightforward.

Go Wine Tasting

Of course I didn’t overlook the wine—that is me we’re speaking about! Here are just a few sippable stops you’ll need in your radar:

• Matson Vineyards – A laid-back, family-owned spot with a comfy, rustic attraction and winery views that virtually beg for a picnic.
• Moseley Family Cellars – Warm hospitality, small-batch wines, and a tasting room that looks like visiting a good friend’s (very elegant) front room.
• New Clairvaux Vineyard – You’ll discover this tasting room proper throughout the road from Moseley Family Cellars which makes it excellent to hit them each when exploring downtown on foot. PS: They have a fabulous Primitivo that absolutely received me over.

➞ If you want some meals in spite of everything that wine, take a look at my The 9 Best Restaurants in Redding, California

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